Some of us try to keep it local even when shopping online, and we scoured the interwebs for our favorite local gifts that you can ship to far-flung friends and relatives.

Yes, there are many candle manufacturers on the market, but how many can lay claim to crafting them since 1643? From the handcrafted glass container to the cotton wicks, these classic scents are considered the best in the world. When in Paris, I always make a special trip to the shop, but these days I can get them right here in Chester at Swoon or in their new online boutique:

Swoon – Cire Trudon Candles from $55

C&G’s calendars have long been local cult favorites and eagerly anticipated each year. Their new desk version, introduced last year, is a delight. Embellished with classic C&G illustrations plus essays and plenty of room for daily notes and appointments.

C&G – 2017 Calendar  $25

Need just the right present for the reader in your life? Get Just The Right Book! After filling out a short questionnaire your giftee will receive a series of books (you choose the number of months) geared to his/her taste.  As far as I’m concerned, this is the PERFECT gift. (Hope my husband sees this!).

Red Rooster in Guilford is known for their seasonal and Signature cookie (cranberries, white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and butterscotch) but they bake up all kinds of deliciousness AND they ship. Me, I’m a fan of the oatmeal cranberry chip, but you can’t go wrong with Bailey’s Irish Cream, eggnog pumpkin chip or chocolate peppermint for the holidays.

Red Rooster – Cookies by the Dozen Box from $30

Long gone are the days when you have to settle for plain old maple syrup. This local artisanal syrup (made from Vermont maples) is aged in bourbon barrels and flavored with a bit of sea salt and caramel. While it’s tempting to sip it straight from the bottle, a dribble on waffles, vanilla ice cream or snow is the way to go.

Maple Craft – Organic Salted Caramel Syrup $16

My parents live in New Orleans, a place KNOWN for coffee, but they prefer Ashlawn Farm, especially the dark roasts like Ethiopian and Sumatra. Roasted locally from hand-picked beans, Ashlawn’s gift box of three coffees will not be a re-gift, or choose a pound or two of Christmas Glow.

Ashlawn – Holiday Around the World Sampler $40

Did you know there is a vast lavender farm in our midst? Yes! Right here in Killingworth. And when the farm folk are not tending the fields, they’re crafting luscious lavender scented gifts. A trip to the shop (or farm in summer) is a worthwhile excursion, but you can ship their lovely lavender products far and wide. Find candles, soaps, eye pillows, sachets, even dog shampoo in their online shop, but we think this bath and body sampler is THE thing for gifting.

Lavender Pond Farm – Lavender Bath and Body Sampler $30

My daughter was aghast that I had purchased this popular game (I thought it might keep the family amused over Thanksgiving), and it wasn’t until I handed out the cards that I understood why. This is highly entertaining but extremely raunchy (be forewarned), and, one by one, the grandparents left the table. Definitely a good one for the college-aged, but maybe stop there. Available at Bowerbird. Must purchase in the shop at Old Lyme Marketplace, Old Lyme 860-434-3562

thebowerbird.com

There’s still time to order these personalized glasses by  local manufacturer, North x Northeast. The stemless Riedel wine glasses and Stolzle crystal rocks glasses are engraved with the precise coordinates of the location of a special place or event. A meaningful gift for the person who has everything.

NxNE – Customized Glassware Set of 4 from $110 *For shipments to US addresses, order by midnight 12/20; for local pickup in Old Lyme 12/21;  12/22 -12/23 by special arrangement.

A local gift that also does good? Easy: Roses for Autism! This Guilford grower of the classic bloom employs individuals living with Autism and provides career training and mentorship. Fresh-picked, long lasting roses are shipped nationwide.

Roses for Autism – Bouquet of Fresh Roses $39.99

After slathering ourselves in these balms, oils and lotions all year, it seems only fitting to share them with the ones we love. The team at the Guilford formulary of truly authentic Ayurvedic products are offering gift sets of body wash, hand balm, face wash, and more this year, so perfectly priced, you won’t feel guilty throwing an extra one in your cart for Yours Truly.

Solavedi – Gift Sets  starting at $25